- Common materials used in dentures are acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, and metal. Partial dentures have a metal framework.
- Acrylic resin in the denture base imitates gum tissue. False porcelain teeth have the most natural appearance.
- You can choose the color of your false teeth, but you will not be able to whiten them in the future.
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What are the best materials for dentures? Here's everything you need to know.
Denture base
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The denture base is the foundational structure that sits on your jawbone and resembles the gum tissue. No matter what type of denture you get - complete dentures or a partial denture - they will both require a denture base. Acrylic resin is the most common type of material used here.
The first step in making dentures is to take impressions. Your dentist may use either analog or digital impressions; either works well. They may also take several measurements and pictures of your face. They take pictures because later, during the final stages of fabrication, the dental lab will match the shape of the denture teeth to your facial shape.
Once the impressions have been taken, they will be sent to the lab. The lab will pour a mold of your teeth and use that to cast a wax model. Wax is used first to ensure the base fits your mouth correctly. You will likely need to return to the office for a "wax try-in." Adjustments will be made as needed, and the base will then be returned to the lab, where it will be finished using acrylic materials.
Partial dentures framework
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Most partial plates contain some metal framework. Since other teeth are still present, they are often used as anchors for the partial denture. This helps stabilize the denture and keep it in place when eating and speaking. Metal clasps protrude from the acrylic base and partially circle the remaining teeth. In some cases, metal mesh is placed inside the denture base to make it more sturdy. This most often occurs if the denture is fragile.
Acrylic clasps can be used instead of metal, but they have some disadvantages. Metal clasps are much more malleable, making them easier to adjust. In addition, metal clasps can be repaired by your local denture repair lab. There is often no flexibility or ability to repair broken acrylic clasps.
As for the type of metal used, there are various options. Base metal alloys have been used most often over the last few decades. The alloys contain chromium, nickel, and cobalt.
False teeth
Picture by Authority Dental under CC 2.0 license
Once the denture bases are complete, it is time to add the fake teeth. You will get to choose the shade of your new teeth. Choose wisely, as the shade cannot be changed with whitening products.
Like the rest of your denture, the false teeth are typically made from acrylic resin. However, some materials may look more like natural teeth. Porcelain teeth are occasionally used for a slightly more aesthetic look. Of course, this might also mean higher dentures costs.
Lee explains: "If a patient has natural teeth on the lower jaw, an upper denture with porcelain teeth can act like a set of tiny hammers, potentially wearing down the patient's natural enamel over time. Because of this, we often recommend acrylic."
He continues: "It is much gentler on the opposing teeth and helps absorb some of the shock from chewing. It might wear down faster over many years, but we'd much rather the replaceable prosthetic wear down than a patient's own precious teeth."
"Our goal is not just to replace what is missing, but to protect what is still there," Lee emphasizes.
FAQ
What are the highest quality dentures made of?
Acrylic resin, or plastic, is the highest-quality material for dentures. It is also the most commonly used denture material.
How are porcelain and acrylic resin materials different?
Are metal dentures toxic?
Metal dentures are safe when properly maintained. Some patients may be sensitive to metal, so this should be addressed before having the dentures made.
How were dentures made in the past?
The history of dentures is fascinating and might surprise you. In historic times, a denture was a sign of great wealth. Only those in the most excellent standing were able to afford the rare materials that were used: precious metals, jewels, and ivory. Even animal teeth and other human teeth were used at times.
Thankfully, due to modernization, getting dentures is more widely available and better than ever before, so everyone can have a healthy smile.
Harry Lee, DMD
When we are designing a new denture for a patient, their first focus is almost always on the appearance. They want a beautiful, natural-looking smile, which is totally understandable. However, the most important conversation we often end up having is about the material for the actual teeth, because that choice has a significant impact on the health of their entire mouth.